makes more sence, i work in the auto industry and deal with prototype engineers. thus far the most clueless ones are from nissan, all of the others seem to have pretty much the same tolerances and expectations as far as quality goes.

Well, in terms of product design, no one is matching Toyota in terms of putting quality into the engineering process. At least between my current OEMs (DCX, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai).

I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing isn't a inter-hoax anyway. Liek the Evil Ka cat decapitator that people got worked up about..

Hmm, my sis-in-law lived in South Africa doing AIDS work for a while, I'm curious her opinion on this stuff.

Germans are defiantely arrogant about engineering design. Think back to what Schempp said: When he was asked whether chrysler parts would make it onto mercedes vehciles, he replied " We will not water down the brand"....meh, thats germans. I work for germans, hell, I'll be in german in two weeks. they thing everything german is superior, its life.

...Maybe GM and Ford should come out with a campaign with a picture of Dr. Z and say, "At least we didn't burn Jews"

haha that is hilarious. I will agree with Jesus on his view I work as an engineer for a Tier 1 and design exhausts. I drive a honda as my DD and a 78 CJ5 for my toy. If I want reliability, fuel mileage, and highest residual value I will get a honda or Toyota car. As far as trucks go the americans own the market for quality, maybe not residual value. Sad to say I work with the big three every day, and it isnt quality that is driving vehicle sales its costs.